CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION — PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Description of Procedure
The operation takes about an hour and may be done under local or general anesthesia. There is little or no pain. Only the central part of your cornea is removed. It is replace with a clear corneal "button," which is sutured into position with very fine stitches. To assure precise placement of the graft, an operating microscope is used, which greatly improves the surgeon's view.

To ensure proper healing, the sutures stay in place for several months to a year or more. Sometimes they are left in place permanently.

Patient Process and Procedure

Three (3) days before Corneal Transplantation Surgery
	Place one drop of Ocuflox into the eye to be operated on every four (4) hours while awake.
On the night before Corneal Transplantation Surgery
	Make transportation arrangements. You should NOT drive yourself home after surgery because you may be mildly sedated and your eye may be patched. You will need someone to bring you to your post-operative visit. At your post-operative exam, your doctor will let you know when you are able to drive.
	No food or drink after midnight unless otherwise instructed. You will be contacted by a nurse from the surgery center about eating instructions.
	Wash face well with soap and water. Take a shower or bath and wash hair.
The Day of Corneal Transplantation Surgery
	Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or after-shave on your surgery date. Please do not use any hair products that contain alcohol such as hair spray or mousse.
	Do not wear make-up. Wash face again with soap and water.
	Avoid coffee, tea, or milk unless otherwise instructed.
	Make sure to take all of your usual medications before coming to the surgery center.
	Wear comfortable clothing and a short-sleeved shirt or blouse that opens down the front. Do not wear nylons, stockings or support garments. Men, do NOT wear t-shirts.
After Corneal Transplantation Surgery
	Topical anesthesia means rapid visual recovery after corneal transplant surgery. Occasionally, a local anesthetic is necessary. In that case your vision will return more gradually, and you may notice blurred or double vision at first. Once in a while a patch is placed over the eye after corneal transplantation surgery. Leave the patch in place until your appointment on the day after surgery. Wear the shield over your eye when you go to sleep for one week after your surgery.
	Post-Operative Medication: After corneal transplant surgery you should use these eye drops as directed: Antibiotic - FOUR TIMES A DAY until gone (NSAID) Anti-inflammatory - FOUR TIMES A DAY x 2 weeks Steriod/Anti-inflammatory - FOUR TIMES A DAY x 1 week then TWO TIMES A DAY x 2 weeks
	Post-Operative Symptoms: You may have a scratchy or funny feeling like something is in your eye after surgery. Also, many people notice a pink or red glow following surgery. These experiences are normal and expected. If you have severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication you should call the doctor's office. If you have severe pain, sudden change in vision, or need explanations, call any time day or night (541) 687-2110 / 800-452-2040.
	Many people need a change in their eyeglass prescription following cornea transplant surgery. Some will only need glasses for reading, and some may find they need glasses only rarely or not at all.
	You should expect to visit the doctor's office on the day after your surgery and again two weeks after your surgery. Of course, individual differences in healing may mean changes in this schedule.

Related Information About Corneal Transplantation:

• Risks and Limitations
• Surgery Center
• Financial Responsibility
• Financing Options
• Corneal Transplantation Main Page
• Procedures Available Main Page